COMPANIONS IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE

Transcription

1 COMPANIONS IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE ORDER OF SERVICE

2 Welcome Gathering together (can be said or sung): As we are gathered, Jesus is here, one with each other, Jesus is here; joined by the Spirit, washed in his blood, part of the body, the Church of God. As we are gathered, Jesus is here, one with each other, Jesus is here. John Daniels 1979 Authentic Publishing/Admin by Solutions CopyCare 14 Horsted Square, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1QG. songsolutions.org Call to Worship It is God who calls us and invites us to worship him. For the beauty of the earth (HP 333) Opening Prayer Old Testament Reading Psalm 34 Story Companions (The Revd Jennifer Potter) Christ has risen while earth slumbers, Christ has risen where hope died, As he said and as he promised, As we doubted and denied. Let the moon embrace the blessing; Let the sun sustain the cheer; Let the world confirm the rumour: Christ is risen, God is here! Christ has risen for the people Whom he died to love and save; Christ has risen for the women Bringing fl owers to grace his grave. Christ has risen for disciples Huddled in an upstairs room. He whose word inspired creation Can t be silenced by the tomb. Christ has risen to companion Former friends who fear the night, Sensing loss and limitation Where their faith had once burned bright. They bemoan what is no longer, They expect no hopeful sign Till Christ ends their conversation, Breaking bread and sharing wine. Christ has risen and forever Lives to challenge and to change All whose lives are messed and mangled, All who fi nd religion strange. Christ is risen. Christ is present Making us what he has been Evidence of transformation In which God is known and seen. Words & music John L Bell & Graham Maule 1988 WGRG Iona Community, Glasgow G2 3DH, Scotland wgrg@iona.org.uk; Reproduced by permission. Epistle Reading 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Story Faith in Action in The Gambia (The Revd David Gamble) 1

3 Gospel Reading Mark 12:28-34 Story Hope in Action in Latvia (The Revd Gita Mednis) What shall our greeting be (HP 806) Address Easter Offering Dedication Loving God, we come before you with our gifts of money, for the work of your Church throughout the world. We offer ourselves, our gifts and talents to serve you. Through our giving may others see something of your love in action. Amen. Jesu, Jesu (HP 145) (Love Feast) Prayers of Intercession We pray for the Church throughout the world, remembering particularly today the Churches in Zimbabwe, The Gambia and Latvia. Loving God, we think of the people of Zimbabwe and their needs, remembering those within the Church who are called to minister in very diffi cult circumstances. We also ask you to give strength and determination to those with responsibility for the Methodist Church in The Gambia. We remember before you the small but growing, vibrant, caring Church in Latvia, commending the work of the Hope Centers. Lord, graciously hear us. Loving God, we bring before you the countries of the world and their leaders, where there is war, injustice and hardship, remembering... 2 Lord, graciously hear us. Loving God, we pray for the churches within this circuit and our work within the communities we represent. We also

4 remember those who are ill, bereaved and those whose situations at this time need our prayers... May those in sorrow and despondency feel your love and peace touching their lives. Lord, graciously hear us. Loving God, we pray for Women s Network and the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women as we seek to work together in this period of transition. May we not lose sight of our vision for the future and our continuing support of the World Church. Lord, graciously hear us. Amen. The Lord s Prayer Brother, sister, let me serve you, Let me be as Christ to you; Pray that I may have the grace to Let you be my servant too. We are pilgrims on a journey, And companions on the road; We are here to help each other Walk the mile and bear the load. I will hold the Christ-light for you In the night-time of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, Speak the peace you long to hear. I will weep when you are weeping; When you laugh I ll laugh with you; I will share your joy and sorrow Till we ve seen this journey through. When we sing to God in heaven We shall fi nd such harmony, Born of all we ve known together Of Christ s love and agony. Brother, sister, let me serve you, Let me be as Christ to you; Pray that I may have the grace To let you be my servant too. Richard Gillard 1977 Scripture in Song/Admin by Solutions CopyCare 14 Horsted Square, Uckfi eld, East Sussex TN22 1QG info@songsolutions.org 3

5 Final Prayer Caring, omnipresent, mighty patient God, always loving, you offer new life through Jesus Christ, your Son; in you we put our trust, so that on our journeying, we may be aware of the needs of those journeying alongside us, so that together we may be companions in faith. Amen. (from The Methodist Prayer Handbook 2007/2008) The Blessing The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen. Love Feast Cake Recipe This recipe was adapted from the Middlesmoor Lovefeast Bread used in the Yorkshire Dales at the time of John Wesley, and is still made now. 1lb (400g) plain fl our 1oz (25g) baking powder 5oz (125g) butter 8oz (200g) sugar 2oz (50g) mixed peel 4oz (100g) sultanas 2 eggs About half a pint (280ml) of milk Mix the fl our and baking powder together, rub in the butter, then add the sugar, sultanas and peel. Beat the eggs together with a little milk and add to the dry ingredients. Add the rest of the milk to make a soft consistency. 4 Pour the mixture into two loaf tins or a large cake tin. Cook at 180 o C (350 o F) or gas mark 4 for at least 45 minutes for the loaf tins, or 1 hour for the large cake tin.

6 COMPANIONS IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE This service has been prepared by Pamela Turner, Connexional Women s Network President 2007/2008 Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 2009 Design and production: Methodist Publishing The Methodist Church Registered Charity No GE305-FR-10